Transmitter / Reciever Upgrade...Help Needed...2.4GHz - Best Range for the Buck?

[c_michael_72]

I'm in the process of upgrading my TX and RX for a new build. I currently have long distance range blackouts with a properly set up 2.4 GHz Spektrum MR200 and Proboat "branded" Spektrum transmitter.

My lake is large and I sometimes I run my boats out very far. I'm wondering if anyone has a recommendation for the best range for the buck in a 2.4 TX/RX.

I've spoken with the Spectrum guys several times at Horizon and have been told that all of their surface model transmitters used with the marine receivers (DSM2) will have about the same range I currently have. They actually recommended to switch to a Traxxas system (boo) or air transmitter, which I'm highly reluctant to do. I want to stick with 2 channel pistol grip TX and don't want or need telemetry.

Any help/recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Chris

[jwray]

I feel that any of the Futaba 2.4 radios would serve you well. I have been running a 2.4 module in a 3PK for several years on some very large ponds with the atennas in the radio box with no issues. Hope this helps, Justin

[JimClark]

What does "properly setup" mean to you?

I'm in the process of upgrading my TX and RX for a new build. I currently have long distance range blackouts with a properly set up 2.4 GHz Spektrum MR200 and Proboat "branded" Spektrum transmitter.

My lake is large and I sometimes I run my boats out very far. I'm wondering if anyone has a recommendation for the best range for the buck in a 2.4 TX/RX.

I've spoken with the Spectrum guys several times at Horizon and have been told that all of their surface model transmitters used with the marine receivers (DSM2) will have about the same range I currently have. They actually recommended to switch to a Traxxas system (boo) or air transmitter, which I'm highly reluctant to do. I want to stick with 2 channel pistol grip TX and don't want or need telemetry.

Any help/recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Chris

[c_michael_72]

Properly set up to me means:

- I have the receiver and ESC (CC 240 Hydra Ice) as far away as possible.

- There are no heat sources or power wires near the receiver or antenna wires.

- The receiver is isolated from vibrations via high quality servo tape.

- The horizontal and vertical receiver antennas are very close to 90 degrees apart.

- The horizontal antenna is not near the aluminum hull reinforcements in my boat.

- The vertical antenna is straight and as far up in the antenna tube as possible.

- All my connectors are maintained and corrosion free.

What am I forgetting? Maybe programming the proper output voltage from the BEC?

[JimClark]

sure you don't possibly have a break in your antenna wire? Have you tried another reciever? What kind of range are we talking here?

[Fluid]

Is the ProBoat 2.4 transmitter actually the equivalent of the Spektrum DX2? Some earlier Spectrum transmitters were not completely compatible with the true marine receivers. You may be able to just buy a new Spektrum-branded transmitter...or not.



.

[Electropilot]

This is what I got for 60 bones :)

http://www.rc-fans88.com/goods.php?id=553 , I love it! made my futaba enter the closet zone! and for $60.00? Psshhhh real hard decision there for the price,,,,, Not!

[Darin Jordan]

They actually recommended to switch to a Traxxas system (boo) or air transmitter, which I'm highly reluctant to do.

WHAT?? I don't know who you are talking to, but there is NO WAY I'd pick a Traxxas system over a real Spektrum setup.

The MR200 is an excellent RX... I'm not sure about the guts of the Pro Boat Branded TX that is compatible with it, but I do believe it's a true Spektrum system. You do NOT want to use the true surface RXs, however, as they will NOT have the range you are looking for.

Have you RUN this out there yet?? You didn't mention if you've already tried this system or not??

I can run my boats out to where I can't see them any longer, well out over 1,000 yards and they always come back. IF you setup the system correctly and bind it with the failsafe positions set (throttle neutral, steering neutral, etc.), then IF you run out of range, the boat should simply stop. When a Spektrum system loses signal, it falls back to these fail-safe settings.

[siberianhusky]

I use both marine RX's with a dx2s and can run my boats out so far I can't tell what direction they are going.
I have a PB tx that I've never tried, next time out I should test it at least.
Some of the guys around here are using the 3 channel Hobbypartz radios with good success.

[c_michael_72]

Well hello Mr. Jordan. Glad to hear you chime in! I agree with you on NOT selecting Traxxas over Specktrum. But literally just 5 minutes ago, I spoke with a SECOND technical rep. (option 4) at Horizon Hobby and he told me the same thing: basically that Traxxas systems had a reputation for longer range...don't shoot the messenger : ). He did however say if it was him, he’d try a true branded Spektrum transmitter and set the voltage of my BEC to 6.0 instead of 5.0 where it’s previously been ran.

When you ask: “Have you RUN this out there yet?” What exactly what you’re asking?

Yes, I’ve ran the setup…(your design btw ) and yes, I’ve range tested it on both water and land. I just seem to just run out of distance before I’d like to. You can go pretty far pretty quick when your kicking up a sizable rooster tail at 63 mph in highly modified, and admittedly overpowered/rev’d Impulse 31 : )

As for the actual distance, I’m a poor judge. I’d have to do another dry range test and measure the distance with an odometer. I can tell you that you can barely see the boat when I hear it stop. I know about where I’m going to run out of range on the lake so I just don’t exceed that perimeter. Occasionally, when running parallel to my range boundary, I get too close and will experience signal loss and the system goes to its neutral positions for a second or two before generally coasting back into range.

[c_michael_72]

sure you don't possibly have a break in your antenna wire? Have you tried another reciever? What kind of range are we talking here?

I'm sure, unless it came from the factory that way. I did try a second new MR200 with the same results. Not sure about the exact range but I can barely see the boat.

[Rumdog]

Yup. FlySky Gt3C. Easily the best bang for your buck. This new model is much easier to read in direct sunlight, plus it's equipped with a lipo battery which can charge via usb. I also own the older Gt3B, which is an excellent radio. Recievers are cheap as dirt for it as well.

[JimClark]

So if you can barely see the boat that says to me it is very difficult to control it since you have a hard time seeing it so why do you want to go out further? Doesn't seem like you have a range issue to me.

[c_michael_72]

Yeah, I can barely see the boat; however, it's relatively easy to see the massive wall of white water behind the boat. Seeing the rooster tail is all I’ve needed thus far to keep track of position/orientation/direction and maintain control.

Why do I want to go further??? That's kind of a silly question. Much like asking: ”Why would one want to go faster?

Regardless, I will answer it with true, but what some will perceive as silly answers:

1) Onlookers sometimes scream and wave their arms requesting a "drive by". And yes, I can barely hear them at that distance even with the wind at their backs.

2) I've rid my entire neighborhood of Canadian Geese with this boat and my neighbors are very, very thankful. There is however the occasional stubborn individual that will make me chase him/her to the ends of the earth before they will hop out or fly away.

3) It’s highly annoying to have a run interrupted by a brief shut down when I occasionally overshoot my range.

So, DO I HAVE A RANGE ISSUE? In my opinion, YES.

[siberianhusky]

Yep by that description I'd say you have issues! Not sure they're with range though!
Great way to give boaters a bad rep with the greenies in your area by actively chasing wildlife!